Grow Garlic Chives – A Versatile Herb with Delicate Flavour and Pollinator Appeal

Garlic Chives, also known as Chinese leek or Allium tuberosum, are a hardy perennial herb cherished for their flat, strap-like leaves with a mild garlic flavour. As summer progresses, tall stems produce delicate, star-shaped white flowers that not only add ornamental beauty to your garden but also attract a variety of pollinators, including bees and butterflies.

This adaptable herb is ideal for gardeners of all experience levels. Whether grown in containers, borders, or herb beds, Garlic Chives combine culinary versatility with visual and ecological value.

Growing Garlic Chives

Garlic Chives are easy to grow and thrive in full sun but can tolerate light shade. They prefer moist, well-drained soil and will come back reliably each year in most parts of the UK.

Sowing and Planting

Sowing Period: Sow seeds indoors from February to April or directly outdoors from April to June.
Soil Preparation: Remove rocks and loosen the soil to create a fine, well-drained seedbed.
Sowing Depth: Sow seeds 0.5 cm deep in moist soil.
Spacing: Sow thinly and thin seedlings to 15 cm apart once established.
Germination: Expect seedlings to appear within 7–14 days under warm conditions.

Care and Maintenance

Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during dry spells.
Weeding: Regularly remove weeds to prevent competition.
Thinning/Dividing: Divide clumps every 3–4 years in spring to maintain vigour.

Picking

Timing: Begin picking leaves once plants are well established, typically from early summer.
Method: Use scissors to snip leaves around 2.5 cm above the base. Regular cutting promotes fresh growth.
Storage: Fresh leaves can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or chopped and frozen for longer storage.

Culinary Uses

Garlic Chives bring a gentle garlic flavour to a variety of dishes:

• Salads: Add finely chopped leaves for subtle garlic notes.
• Stir-Fries: Toss into stir-fries just before serving.
• Garnishes: Use edible flowers as a decorative, flavourful touch.
• Herb Butters: Blend into butter for a tasty spread.